In This Together With Dr. Josh + Christi

Christmas often comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Not only that, it's easy to miss the magic of the season. Either things don't go the way we had hoped with our family, or we get so buried in our to-do lists we need a search and rescue team just to help us come to the surface.In this episode, we talk about decisions you can make to enjoy the Christmas season with your family. We talk about: * Practical ways we can manage our expectations of the Christmas season * Why it's important to also acknowledge and grieve loss during this season * Being people who include others * How to prioritize Jesus during the holidays--i.e. getting our kids to behave because of Jesus, not for Santa :) * How to make decisions at Christmas based on your family values, not the culture around you * One very practical way husbands can crush it this Christmas * How to be the grace others need at this time of yearShow Notes: To join us in the 25 Characters of the Christmas Story: An Advent Experience for Families, click here!Podcas

Bedtime--it's that sometimes elusive and dreaded time of the day, especially if you have young kids. Yet, bedtime can be the most significant time of the day to connect with your kids, and even your teens.In this episode, we discuss the spiritual and emotional significance of bedtime. We also get super practical about turning it into one of the most memorable--and maybe even enjoyable--parts of your day. Even more, bedtime could be the environment that shapes your family and child's story for years to come.We talk about: * Why even Moses championed bedtime * When it's okay to call an audible * Practical ways to keep our kids in bed and not dread the process * Guilt free and emotionally safe ways for either laying with our kids to help them fall asleep or making them stay in bed * Questions we can ask our kids to draw out what's happening in their inner worldShownotesClick here for 15 Conversation Starters for Tucking Your Kids into Bed.Click here for Dr. Ross Greene's book, The Explosive Child: A New Approach

For many of us, inviting people into our lives and homes feels more like inviting judgment on our entertaining skills and stress on our already maxed-out schedules. And with the holidays approaching, you may be feeling the pressure.But what if you knew that opening your front door had the power to radically change the world around you? To make an impact and leave a legacy with everyday invitations?Jen Schmidt has set out to reframe how we think about hospitality and to equip us to walk a road of welcome in our daily lives. Jen knows that every time we choose open-door living—whether in our homes or by taking hospitality on the road—those we invite in get to experience the lived-out love of Jesus, our kids grow up in a life-lab of generosity, and we trade insecurity for connection.In this episode, we talk to Jen about how you and your family can offer the life-changing gift of invitation, no matter the stage of life your family is in. We talk about: * The freedom of hospitality, not the burden of it * How invi

What happens when our son is exposed to pornography at a young age? Or our daughter begins hearing about sex at school and asking you questions? Many of our own parents didn't model for us how to have these difficult conversations with our kids. Not only that, our kids seem to be exposed to sex at even younger ages today.In this episode, we revisit with Linda Noble and Linda Stewart, two leading voices helping parents talk to their children about body image and sex through THE Conversation Workshop. This is part two of a two part series.In this episode, Linda and Linda discuss with us how to talk to our kids about sex through a simple, yet powerful framework of flourishing.We discuss: * how to talk to our kids about difficult topics, like when they discover their private parts * why a Theology of the Body is an important framework for us as adults as well * age-appropriate ways--from preschool through the teen years--to talk to our kids about sexIn the show notes below, you can also gain access to free PDF do

What happens when our daughter tells us she's fat? Or our son begins to ask questions about his private parts? These questions are enough to throw off any good parent. So how can we raise our kids to have a healthy body image in a culture that has distorted it?That's the conversation we have today with Linda Noble and Linda Stewart, two leading voices helping parents talk to their children about body image and sex through THE Conversation Workshop. This is part one of a two part series.In this episode, Linda and Linda discuss a framework for the Theology of the Body, and how we as parents can be ready anytime these conversations arise with our kids.We discuss: * the 2 most common parenting approaches to the body and the one we need to take * the 3 truths we need to instill in our kids about their body-selves on an ongoing basis * practical questions we receive from parentsIn the show notes below, you can also gain access to free PDF downloads from THE Conversation Workshop that help you have these conversatio

There are eyes on your marriage. If you have kids, they watch how you interact. If you lead others in your community, those you lead watch how you live. In other words, your marriage is in a fishbowl.Some feel it more than others. But regardless of who's watching, if we don't pursue a marriage we'd wish on our kids, or we keep leading others without tending to our own marital garden, it will catch up to us. And besides, isn't it better to enjoy life with our spouse than merely tolerate it and go through the motions?We think so. That's why this episode covers four ways we can become teammates in marriage and why it's so important.Show Notes:To learn more about our Coaching Programs, click here.To learn more about Winshape Marriage Intensives and Adventures, click here. Podcast Sponsors:

This episode is a treat. Lisa Harper joins us to talk about her newly released children's book, Who's Your Daddy: Discovering the Awesomest Daddy Ever.But she's not the only one to join us! After the break, her daughter Missy joins us - along with our kids - to sing and talk about Sid the Science Kid, the Greatest Showman, and Sing. They also talk about God and people they know in heaven. It is a precious portion we decided to keep in. We hope you enjoy the "real" interaction.The best description of this episode comes directly from the children's book:Missy has lived with her new mommy (Lisa) ever since she was adopted from Haiti. But when someone asks little Missy a BIG question—"Who's your daddy?"—she starts thinking and learning a lot about daddies.Missy could be sad that she doesn't have a "skin" daddy who can make her pancakes and take her to soccer practice. But through lots of talks with Mommy, Missy realizes that she DOES have a Daddy! In fact, no matter what our family looks like, we all have the sam

How we set boundaries with our parents and in-laws is a frequent stressor for many families, especially around the holidays. Whether family lives close by or far away, everyone brings expectations into what that relationship should look like. We navigate this on an ongoing basis as well.The first question deals with that very issue. How do we talk to our parents about it in an honoring way? How can we be united as husband and wife in making decisions and setting our own traditions?In this episode, we also discuss questions related to: * helping kids set their own boundaries and manage their feelings * teaching kids to play independently * how we can avoid showing favoritism when one child is more compliant than another * resources to manage explosive or strong-willed kidsThe questions: Question 1: Hi! I've recently listened to your grandparent episode - THANK YOU. My husband and I are new parents, and his parents live close by. My (divorced) parents both live out of state. Anytime they come visit they usually

Do you have a recurring issue in your marriage you can't seem to settle?Perhaps every now and again your marriage is tested in ways you couldn't even imagine at the time. Some nights you don't even sleep in the same bed.Maybe right now you just can't seem to connect with your spouse at all. Just getting on the same page would feel like a win.If you've been married for any length of time, you likely experience all of the above.That's because spiritual warfare is real. Natural and supernatural forces attack our most cherished relationship regularly. In this episode, we talk about how the things that separated Adam and Eve in the Garden are the very things attacking our marriage today.In this episode we discuss: * The three most common enemies of a great marriage * The importance of coming into agreement as a couple * How blame and shame distance us from our spouse * Why the love of God is the antidote to seeing your spouse as the enemy * Effective ways to pray and fight for your spouseShow Notes: Get the Ransom

Did you know that singing is one of, if not the most, stated commands in all of the Bible? Filling our homes with song has a deep, visceral effect on who we are and what we believe. Perhaps it's no wonder why singing is arguably the most powerful way to pass God's truth onto our kids.In this episode, Keith Getty joins Josh to talk about the importance of singing in the home. Keith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. According to CCLI, it is estimated that 40 to 50 million people sing their hymn “In Christ Alone” (penned by Keith and long-time writing partner, Stuart Townsend) in church services each year.With four young daughters, Keith takes us behind the walls of the Getty home to describe how he and Kristyn pass on the truths of God to their kids through song. Even more, Keith gives us insightful reasons for (that are quite convicting by the way) and practical ways to implement song into our kid's lives every single day.To learn more about

Thanks again for your questions. These episodes are gold for us because we get to interact with you, our family of listeners, on a regular basis.The questions this week are vulnerable and honest. We appreciate that so much about this community. Let's keep striving to be better spouses, parents, and all out human beings.This week we discuss: * How being raised in a legalistic home can impact our own parenting and climate of our home * How grandparents can influence the spiritual lives of their grandchildren * How to make Jesus attractive to our kids and grandkids * The one key factor to faith transmission across the generationsShow Notes:For more information on the findings of the study on faith transmission across the generations, click here to check out Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down Across Generations by Vern Bengtson. The Questions:#1. My question relates to the spiritual life of my 5 year old daughter. I am a pastor's kid and was brought up in a very legalistic but loving family. I went a

In a recent survey of over 700 parents, we found that “being too busy” or “not having enough time” was the biggest parenting struggle of our day. Can you relate?Do you wish you could slow down a bit? Do you seem to use the phrase "too busy" too often?We did. That's why we're having this conversation on today's episode. And it begins by realizing one thing: You are the only person looking out for your family.Starting at a 30,000 foot view, we begin our discussion asking of ourselves one question: "What are we chasing?" Usually we can see what it is we're chasing when we look at our calendars and see where we're spending our time. From here we discuss what the Bible says about rest, provide practical ways for creating margin, and why it's more important than ever to honor the Sabbath.Show Notes: What Makes a Good Parent? - A Scientific Analysis Ranks the 10 Most Effective Child-Rearing Practices by Robert Epstein. Click here for journal article. In our conversation we talk about kids being able to play independ

Have you felt stuck in the trenches, especially in the early years of parenthood? Trying to be the best mom you can be, yet also feeling the urge to lead outside the home too?Or maybe you decided that in certain seasons you would focus on leading your kids, and wait to find God's calling for you outside of motherhood after that particular season was over.In this episode, we talk with Kelly King, Women's Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources, about how women can lead in the varying seasons of motherhood.We talk specifically about: * How to navigate raising kids and discovering the call to lead * Not dismissing the little doors because they feel small to us * Why it's important to stay in your lane * How to overcome mom shaming * The importance of who you surround yourself with * How husbands can champion their wives to leadKelly's insights come directly from her own personal lessons. This is a message she has lived in every season of raising her kids.Show Notes: Click here to register for the Lif

Have you been faced with getting difficult questions from your kids, and perhaps at a younger age than you had wished? Or feeling the need to have conversations with your kids but not sure how to have them?Welcome to parenting in the 21st century.We live in a very different political and cultural climate than in decades past. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Phillip Bethancourt, executive vice president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, on how he equips parents and church leaders to have these conversations. A very practical episode, you will be encouraged and equipped, especially if you lack confidence with some of the topics.Phillip, who has four boys, also provides super helpful illustrations to matter the age of our kids.In addition, this episode kicks off an online Bible study that Phillip co-wrote and that we're hosting on our blog called Christ-Centered Parenting: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues. It's a free online study and we'd love to have you join us! Click here for d

Your questions are fuel for us for two reasons. First, you are real and desire to live a great story for your kids. Secondly, your courage to ask questions helps everyone listening to the podcast. If you struggle with something, other families struggle with it too.It's an honor being in this together with you. These Q & A episodes give all of us encouragement. So thank you!In this episode, we had a number of questions related to being emotionally safe for our kids and why it's important. In this week's episode we discuss: * Resources for understanding our own story as a parent * How to connect and talk to our child with grace, especially if he / she is prone to feeling ashamed * If a parent is away for work, ways he / she can connect with the kids from the road * How to plan for a difficult conversation with our teenager (and even our kids), especially when there is a rift in the relationship * Championing our kids in their interests and passions, even if they have no outlets for it in our local area * Th

Welcome to Season 4 of the "In This Together" podcast!School is back in session. In this episode, we talk about three ways we can spiritually prepare our kids for the new school year.Whether you homeschool, or your kids go to a public or private school, this episode will help guide your family to spiritually prepare your kids (and yourself) for the school year ahead.Here are the questions we consider to help us: * What is the biggest lesson you learned from last school year? Revisit that lesson. Write it down. What decisions will you make differently this year as a result? * What parental agendas do you have for your kids that you need to surrender this year? What are questions your kids have about the year ahead? * What two values do you want to instill in your kids this school year? * Do you have a family mission's statement? Put a plan in place to start one this week. * What is one thing you can remove from your family calendar that is adding undo pressure?Podcast Sponsors:

The final week of our "Best Of" Series is one that will challenge your faith. We listened to it again and it was like watching a movie the second time around. There was much we missed the first time that we needed right now in this season of our lives.Faith is the currency of heaven. We all need more of it. You may be in a season where you think that a "faith adventure" is just too much... * “But we are in survival mode.” * “Maybe when the kids are out of the house.” * “I’m too afraid.”We ourselves have said everyone of these. Christine Caine shares her family’s story of living a faith adventure and graciously shows us why we can’t afford not to.Here are a few highlights from one our favorite episodes! * How to overcome our, “But, God.” * Why marriage and family is a crucial part of Christian witness in the days ahead. * How our paralyzing fear serves nobody, and how to overcome it. * How to bring our kids on the adventure, no matter their age, and why our kids deserve it!Don’t miss this one. The topic is too

Welcome to week 3 of our "Best Of" series!As Dr. Townsend states about entitlement, "This isn't a generational problem; it's a human problem."Apparently, a lot of parents in our generation don't want their kids to be entitled. It was the most listened to episode of season 3!Entitlement, according to Dr. John Townsend, is "a belief that I am exempt from responsibility and that I am owed special treatment." Unfortunately, you don't have to look too far today to find entitled kids--and adults!In this episode, Dr. Townsend helps parents learn how to not raise entitled kids. An incredibly practical discussion, you'll learn the three antidotes to entitlement and hear Dr. Townsend explain the following three ways to apply the antidote: * Change your language * Do hard things first * Keep inconvenient commitmentsDr. Townsend encourages us, "Kids need to grow up at a dinner table where mom and dad are doing interesting things." Here's to being parents who take responsibility, live well, and show our kids how to be gra

Welcome to week 2 of our "Best Of" series!Emotional safety was one of the most requested topics in season 3. Not only that, this episode became one of the most listened to of any we did.When we first became parents we were exhausted and overwhelmed by the opinions of what we "should" do. That's why we decided to start with the end in mind. With the outcomes we most desire in our kids when they become adults. What we found is that emotional safety—more than any other factor—is scientifically linked to raising kids who live, love, and lead well.In other words, the posture from which we parent matters infinitely more than the techniques of parenting. What is emotional safety?In this episode, we answer this question and discuss: * The Golden Rule of relationships * Four walls of a Safe House (exploration, protection, grace, truth) * Four parenting styles (BFF, helicopter, boss, religious) * How to lead in grace and follow up in truth as we discipline * Why being a parent isn't rocket science; it's just brain surg

We're kicking off our "Best Of" Series for season 3. During the summer we take a little hiatus to regroup, rejuvenate, and plan for our upcoming season--season 4!In part 1 of of our "Best of" series, we revisit our interview with Frank Tate. As one of the most highly listened to and commented about episodes, we chose it first because of how it will change your view of being a parent.If you're a regular listener and were unable to listen to this episode, put it at the top of your list. Likewise, if you're new to the podcast, put it at the top of your list. This is time well spent!In his upcoming book, Foster Kid, Frank tells his riveting story and leaves behind nuggets of wisdom he’s picked up from the screaming data of raising his own two kids. Here’s a few nuggets he discusses with us in this episode: * How to listen to your kids’ screaming data * Why parents should be editors, not authors * How to avoid GPS (Generational Peer Stress) Parenting * What “goodwill shaming” is and why we do it * Why you should g